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Exotic weed could cost grains industry millions

Red witchweed is a significant problem in America and Africa as the parasitic plant feeds off the roots of cereal crops.

Biosecurity Queensland

The State Agriculture Minister says up to 60 farming properties in the Mackay region could be affected by the serious, exotic pest red witchweed.

John McVeigh was in Mackay this morning where the first case of the weed was confirmed in Australia, a month ago.

The parasitic plant attacks the roots of sugar cane and grain crops, taking away nutrients and has been confirmed on four cane farms in the area.

Mr McVeigh says steps are being taken to safeguard the grains industry, which is at greater risk than the cane sector.

"We're working closely with our interstate colleagues and commonwealth colleagues to work out that our response takes into account all of the sorghum, corn, wheat and other crops that could be impacted right across the country."

The weed is native to parts of Africa, the Middle East and Asia and causes around $7 billion of damage to grain crops in Africa each year.

"We know in the United States it's a very significant problem, they spend in the order of 250 million dollars to address the issue."

"It's been very important for my department, through Biosecurity Queensland, to swing into gear and work with these farmers and to eradicate the weed."

He says eradication is underway but it's not yet clear how long it will take.

"In the coming weeks that will tell us the length of that program."

It's harvest time in sugar regions and movement restrictions have been placed on the properties with the weed.

Those properties can only plant and harvest under the authority of a Biosecurity inspection officer.